Poll: Shas Members Prefer Eli Yishai Over Aryeh Deri

As Aryeh Deri strengthens his position in the Shas party, poll reveals that party members prefer ousted party leader Eli Yishai.

Contact Editor

Tova Dvorin, 30/10/13 06:28

MK Eli Yishai

Israel news photo: Flash 90

Shas party members actually preferred the leadership of former party leader MK Eli Yishai, far over current party leader MK Aryeh Deri, a poll by the "Panels" organization has revealed today on the Knesset Channel.

56% of Shas supporters answered that MK Eli Yishai needs to be reinstated as the Shas party leader. Only 32% preferred the current leading MK, Aryeh Deri.

Due to the loss of Deri-endorsed mayoral candidate Moshe Leon in the Jerusalem municipal elections, 42% of Shas supporters believe that Deri should resign and that Yishai take the post, and 40% believe that Deri should afford Yishai greater respect.

42% of Shas supporters have also come to believe that Deri has become a liability for the party, and only 28% believe that negative statements regarding Deri are mistaken.